Baby showers

Don't have one. They are annoying and I'd be surprised if people actually enjoy them. Far too American and over the top. What are you even celebrating?? Wait until baby is here and have a religious or welcome to the world celebration

Yes, I understand that. That's why I said that I may have exaggerated!

I can’t understand why anyone would have a baby shower. Until your baby is in your arms you can’t be certain you’re even going to have a baby.

In our family the women just get together for food, drink and maybe some games at one of our houses. I hosted for my cousin but sometimes the grandma of the baby will host or aunty. Everyone usually brings food and game ideas etc. Mother to be doesn't get involved in the organisation. The men in the family sometimes join after a few hours.

Small gifts might be given but nothing big as it's mainly about getting together to celebrate the mother to be and we are also a superstitious family.

Me too, especially as my first pregnancy had ended in miscarriage.

I bought very little other than what I really had to before the baby was born. Even then I hid it because I was afraid of jinxing things so the very idea of a baby shower would have filled me with absolute horror.

That might be what you and others want to do, but why berate those who don’t? I don’t think anybody needs to ‘explain themselves’ to those on high horses why they want to celebrate their pregnancy with friends and family?

Well, I think there are a lot of people than prefer to wait for the safe arrival of the baby, before celebrating anything. I'm not sure that means there is something 'wrong with' them.

Could you share the reason you feel the need to be passive aggressive about wanting a baby shower 😂

Good grief, what is wrong with folk!

Can you share the reason why you want to have a baby shower?

@TheCountofMountingCrispBags

Not everyone drinks alcohol, pregnant or not.

Special occasions are just as special (and even more so) if people don’t drink.

Everybody does not hate baby showers (or weddings/hen parties/christenings!) I love baby showers.

I’ve been to one where the parents footed the bill. The rest mostly ‘afternoon tea’ style at a venue and we all paid for ourselves.

Both mine I had at home, small buffet and cupcakes. We played a few games and chatted the afternoon away. I organised one with my sister, the other was a surprise.

I prefer small intimate affairs, but do what suits you at the time.

Absolutely loved them all, just don’t invite sour faced folk who will ruin it! 😂

I didn’t bother but I’ve been to a few. There’s been ones at home or in a villiage hall with a buffet and games . No cost to attendees. And I’ve been to a few cream tea style ones in a cafe or restaurant where we covered our costs and the mum to be. Usually a sister/mum/best friend organises it.

Just don't OP. They are grabby and attention seeking nonsense.

That will be another party for SM likes

i had 3, one for each of my children!
my mum organised and hosted, very low key, sandwiches and cakes for all, a few bottles of fizz (not for me!), some silly games, my sils, sil, few of my girl mates and couple of my mums friends. I requested no presents in advance when my mum suggested a baby shower. A couple of people bought teddies and mil bought be a comfy set of clothes to wear in hospital but other than this there were no presents which suited me perfectly.
Each were a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon and it was just a lovely excuse to get out and see all my favourite people in one go!
You don’t have to have one at all, I’ve been to a few and enjoyed them but then I like my friends and I like celebrating things.

Mumsnet hates baby showers so you won’t get many sensible answers here.

And I say that as someone that didn’t have a baby shower. I don’t feel like I missed out by the way.

Are you having a gender reveal as well? They seem quite popular.

The ones I have been to have been surprises for the mothers, thrown by friends.

I’m superstitious about celebrating/presents before the baby was born, so was very clear with anyone who might throw me one that I didn’t want one!

Nobody had them when my two were born 20ish years ago. Its a "thing" thats come over from America. Better than a "what is between my childs legs" party I guess (ie gender reveal) but still can easily seem super "give me presents" grabby.

Just don't have one if you don't want one. They are a horrible Americanism which most people here don't do, and it sounds like it's stressing you out......

But you will have one won't you OP........

Baby showers are naff, most people hate them and just feel they have to cringe and go along with them.

True. Plus I was always a bit superstitious and only wanted to celebrate when the baby was safely here.

I'm glad to say that baby showers weren't a thing back when I was having my three.

I wouldn't have bothered with them anyway and wouldn't have felt I was missing out.

That's a good point. Lots of women at my work have had babies - no baby showers.